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Meet Your Neighbor: Dr. James Beckwith
By Callie Thomas
Imagine what it might be like if you were unable to witness the most important moments of your life. First love, your wedding, a child’s birth, graduation, your parent’s golden anniversary and such. To ensure that our community and those around the world are able to view these and other cherished events is the vision of resident Dr. James Beckwith. As an optometrist of more than 20 years, Dr. Beckwith of Vision Source Summerlin/Lakes has merged his exceptional skills in the field with his dedication to helping others. “I think most people would consider the gift of eyesight to be our most precious sense,” said Beckwith.
It was at the age of ten that Dr. Beckwith became fascinated with optometry. While having his first eye examination, he thought the optometrist had “great toys.” And so began a lifelong passion for helping others see things clearly–as well as utilizing the latest technological resources in the field. He established his practice at the Lakes Business Park when there was little else in the neighborhood at the time. It turned out to be a wise decision due to the enormous growth of the community over the last two decades. He has amassed a great many patients, not only because of his skill but because of his compassionate nature as well as his sense of humor and eternal smile.
While Dr. Beckwith is passionate about his work, he shares an equal passion for helping others. “I learned about community involvement from my parents who volunteered for seemingly everything at St. Viator Parish,” he said. “My first involvement with community service as a professional was as the Southern Nevada Chair of VISION USA through the Nevada Optometric Association.”
Dr. Beckwith does much to help the underprivileged in regards to eyesight. “I’ve taken care of people in the office through different programs, including VISION USA which provides free eye exams for low income patients; the Clark County School District partnership program that works with financially challenged students regarding their health needs; Homeless Outreach; as well as fundraising efforts for Optometry Giving Sight and The Foundation for Fighting Blindness.” Beckwith has also coordinated the ten optometric offices in his group to offer annual free screenings for those at risk for glaucoma and diabetes. “Our ability to diagnose glaucoma in its early stages is one of the greatest advances in our field,” he said. “But we need those high-risk patients in our office to do that. The free screenings give the added incentive to get those people in the door.”
Beckwith has taken his efforts out of the country, providing care and eyeglasses through an organization called VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity). VOSH organizes eye care mission trips throughout the world. The happily married doctor of 23 years took his family, including wife Kimberly and their three teenage sons Dean, Dylan and Devin, to an impoverished region of Mexico. The four day trip included a group of doctors who attended to the health care needs of roughly 1000 patients. “It definitely was not a trip to Disney Land for the kids, but it was a great experience for them; they were able to learn about giving back and gain an understanding of how fortunate they are. It was an incredible experience. I believe that trip made an indelible mark on my sons’ characters.”
Dr. James Beckwith envisions the world through the perspective of Frank Capra’s fictional character, George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a fortunate man and fulfilled by his service to others. “If I’ve done my best I consider myself successful regardless of the outcome. Contributing unconditionally to those in need helps foster community spirit, which is important to living a fulfilling life.”
